East Austin home invasion sexual assault case ends in life sentence

A Travis County judge sentenced Justin Gorbea, 37, to life in prison without parole after a jury convicted him of aggravated sexual assault and burglary of a habitation with intent to commit a sexual offense. On June 3, the jury found Gorbea guilty on both charges following a three-day trial. The convictions stem from an incident that occurred in East Austin on July 12, 2025. Police responded to a disturbance call in the 3600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue. The victim told police she was exiting the bathroom nude when she noticed Gorbea outside her window. Gorbea entered the home through an unlocked front door, carrying a metal pipe. The victim grabbed a small knife to use in self-defense, but Gorbea punched her in the face before forcing her into the bathroom and sexually assaulting her. Gorbea was arrested the day of the assault.